diff --git a/changelog.d/nc-scca-need-test.fixed.md b/changelog.d/nc-scca-need-test.fixed.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..765cb44d8ab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelog.d/nc-scca-need-test.fixed.md
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Require a need for care in North Carolina's Subsidized Child Care Assistance program under 10A NCAC 10 .0905.
diff --git a/policyengine_us/parameters/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/need/earned_income_sources.yaml b/policyengine_us/parameters/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/need/earned_income_sources.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..609d98530e3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/policyengine_us/parameters/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/need/earned_income_sources.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+description: North Carolina counts these income sources as employment or self-employment under the Subsidized Child Care Assistance need for care.
+values:
+  2019-03-01:
+    - employment_income
+    - self_employment_income
+    - sstb_self_employment_income
+    - farm_operations_income
+
+metadata:
+  unit: list
+  period: year
+  label: North Carolina SCCA need for care earned income sources
+  reference:
+    - title: Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual, Chapter 5, section III.B, child care to support employment
+      href: https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/Chapter-5-CN-25-3-Establishing-Need-and-Plan-of-Care.pdf#page=5
diff --git a/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/court_supervision.yaml b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/court_supervision.yaml
index b5c222070f9..69ee7263f13 100644
--- a/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/court_supervision.yaml
+++ b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/court_supervision.yaml
@@ -112,6 +112,7 @@
     spm_units:
       spm_unit:
         members: [person1, person2, person3]
+        nc_scca_need_eligible: true
         nc_scca_countable_income: 2_150
         spm_unit_pre_subsidy_childcare_expenses: 120_000
     households:
diff --git a/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_entry_eligible.yaml b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_entry_eligible.yaml
index 359214ba0ea..61e73f04544 100644
--- a/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_entry_eligible.yaml
+++ b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_entry_eligible.yaml
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
     spm_units:
       spm_unit:
         members: [person1, child1]
+        nc_scca_need_eligible: true
     households:
       household:
         members: [person1, child1]
@@ -47,6 +48,7 @@
     spm_units:
       spm_unit:
         members: [person1, child1, child2]
+        nc_scca_need_eligible: true
     households:
       household:
         members: [person1, child1, child2]
@@ -71,3 +73,22 @@
         state_code: SC
   output:
     nc_scca_entry_eligible: false
+
+- name: Case 5, an eligible child without a need for care, not entry eligible.
+  period: 2024-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      person1:
+        nc_scca_child_eligible: false
+      child1:
+        nc_scca_child_eligible: true
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [person1, child1]
+        nc_scca_need_eligible: false
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [person1, child1]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_entry_eligible: false
diff --git a/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_need_eligible.yaml b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_need_eligible.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..62a43b9b002
--- /dev/null
+++ b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_need_eligible.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,495 @@
+# 10A NCAC 10 .0905 and Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual, Chapter 5.
+- name: Case 1, single parent with wages has a need for care.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+        employment_income: 20_000
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 2, single parent with no activity has no need for care.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: false
+
+- name: Case 3, part-time wages below minimum wage still count, since Chapter 5 III.B sets no floor.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+        employment_income: 2_000
+        weekly_hours_worked_before_lsr: 40
+        weeks_worked: 52
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 4, self-employment income meets Chapter 5 III.B.4.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+        self_employment_income: 15_000
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 5, a business loss with no other activity does not.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+        self_employment_income: -5_000
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: false
+
+- name: Case 6, a business loss does not erase wages.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+        employment_income: 20_000
+        self_employment_income: -30_000
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 7, a full-time college student has a need under .0905(f).
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+        is_full_time_college_student: true
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 8, two parents who both work have a need under Chapter 5 III.A.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent1:
+        age: 30
+        employment_income: 20_000
+      parent2:
+        age: 30
+        employment_income: 20_000
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 9, one parent working and the other in school have a need under Chapter 5 III.A.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent1:
+        age: 30
+        employment_income: 20_000
+      parent2:
+        age: 30
+        is_full_time_college_student: true
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 10, one parent working and the other at home and able to provide care have no need.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent1:
+        age: 30
+        employment_income: 20_000
+      parent2:
+        age: 30
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: false
+
+- name: Case 11, one parent working and the other disabled have a need under Chapter 5 III.A.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent1:
+        age: 30
+        employment_income: 20_000
+      parent2:
+        age: 30
+        is_disabled: true
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 12, a single parent unable to work or provide care has a need under .0905(b).
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+        is_disabled: true
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 13, an incarcerated parent is out of the household, so the working parent has a need.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent1:
+        age: 30
+        employment_income: 20_000
+      parent2:
+        age: 30
+        is_incarcerated: true
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent1, parent2, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 14, a retired grandparent who files separately does not block the working parent's need.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      grandparent:
+        age: 70
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+        employment_income: 20_000
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [grandparent, parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      grandparent_tax_unit:
+        members: [grandparent]
+      parent_tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [grandparent, parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 15, a working grandparent who files separately does not supply the parent's need.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      grandparent:
+        age: 60
+        employment_income: 50_000
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [grandparent, parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      grandparent_tax_unit:
+        members: [grandparent]
+      parent_tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [grandparent, parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: false
+
+- name: Case 16, Work First enrollment meets Chapter 5 III.B.5.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        is_tanf_enrolled: true
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 17, a disabled eligible child has a developmental need under Chapter 5 III.D.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+      child:
+        age: 3
+        is_disabled: true
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 18, an eligible child receiving Child Protective Services has a need under Chapter 5 III.E.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+      child:
+        age: 3
+        receives_or_needs_protective_services: true
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 19, the activity input covers job search and other needs the model does not track.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        meets_ccdf_activity_test: true
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+
+- name: Case 20, a working parent with an eligible child receives the subsidy through the full pipeline.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+        employment_income: 30_000
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        spm_unit_pre_subsidy_childcare_expenses: 12_000
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+        county_str: WAKE_COUNTY_NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: true
+    nc_scca_entry_eligible: true
+    # $1,000 a month less the 10% fee on $2,500, which the $1,256 market rate leaves uncapped.
+    nc_scca: 750
+
+- name: Case 21, the same family with the same income from a pension receives nothing.
+  period: 2026-01
+  input:
+    people:
+      parent:
+        age: 30
+        pension_income: 30_000
+      child:
+        age: 3
+    spm_units:
+      spm_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        spm_unit_pre_subsidy_childcare_expenses: 12_000
+    tax_units:
+      tax_unit:
+        members: [parent, child]
+    households:
+      household:
+        members: [parent, child]
+        state_code: NC
+        county_str: WAKE_COUNTY_NC
+  output:
+    nc_scca_need_eligible: false
+    nc_scca_entry_eligible: false
+    nc_scca: 0
diff --git a/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/integration.yaml b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/integration.yaml
index f72d862bdd9..1269041a0d1 100644
--- a/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/integration.yaml
+++ b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/integration.yaml
@@ -122,6 +122,7 @@
       spm_unit:
         nc_scca_countable_income: 5_199
         members: [person1, person2, child1, child2]
+        nc_scca_need_eligible: true
         spm_unit_pre_subsidy_childcare_expenses: 120_000
     households:
       household:
@@ -154,6 +155,7 @@
       spm_unit:
         nc_scca_countable_income: 5_199
         members: [person1, person2, child1, child2]
+        nc_scca_need_eligible: true
         spm_unit_pre_subsidy_childcare_expenses: 120_000
     households:
       household:
diff --git a/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/nc_scca_child_eligible.yaml b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/nc_scca_child_eligible.yaml
index 5ba72c53b0b..4e001ab3603 100644
--- a/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/nc_scca_child_eligible.yaml
+++ b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/nc_scca_child_eligible.yaml
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@
     spm_units:
       spm_unit:
         members: [person1, child1, child2]
+        nc_scca_need_eligible: true
         # 2026 FPG for 3 = 27_320/yr = 2_276.67/mo.
         # 133% = 3_027.97 < 4_500 (age 7 fails); 200% = 4_553.33 > 4_500 (age 4 passes).
         nc_scca_countable_income: 4_500
diff --git a/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/nc_scca_maximum_payment.yaml b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/nc_scca_maximum_payment.yaml
index 0efd7c92c10..8c030c1badb 100644
--- a/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/nc_scca_maximum_payment.yaml
+++ b/policyengine_us/tests/policy/baseline/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/nc_scca_maximum_payment.yaml
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@
       spm_unit:
         nc_scca_countable_income: 51_99
         members: [person1, person2, child1, child2]
+        nc_scca_need_eligible: true
     households:
       household:
         members: [person1, person2, child1, child2]
@@ -96,6 +97,7 @@
         # 2026 FPG for 3 = 2_276.67/mo; 133% = 3_027.97, 200% = 4_553.33.
         nc_scca_countable_income: 4_500
         members: [person1, child1, child2]
+        nc_scca_need_eligible: true
     households:
       household:
         members: [person1, child1, child2]
@@ -132,6 +134,7 @@
         # 2026 FPG for 4 = 2_750/mo; 133% = 3_657.50, 200% = 5_500.
         nc_scca_countable_income: 4_125
         members: [person1, child1, child2, child3]
+        nc_scca_need_eligible: true
     households:
       household:
         members: [person1, child1, child2, child3]
diff --git a/policyengine_us/tests/test_nc_scca_need_properties.py b/policyengine_us/tests/test_nc_scca_need_properties.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..7c4f023da1b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/policyengine_us/tests/test_nc_scca_need_properties.py
@@ -0,0 +1,168 @@
+"""Invariants of North Carolina's need for child care.
+
+10A NCAC 10 .0905 and Chapter 5 of the Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program
+Policy Manual say which families have a need.
+
+1. Without the other paths, a family has a need when each parent or responsible
+   adult works, studies, or can't work and provide care (.0905(a), (b) and (f);
+   Chapter 5 III.A). Any positive earnings count.
+2. No family without a need receives a subsidy: nc_scca_entry_eligible implies
+   nc_scca_need_eligible, and nc_scca is zero without it.
+3. Giving an adult earnings never removes the need.
+4. An adult who files separately and claims no eligible child doesn't change the
+   answer, whatever that adult earns.
+5. The other paths each give a need to a family with no activity (Chapter 5 III.B.5,
+   III.D and III.E, and the activity input).
+
+The YAML cases pin single families. These generate earnings and family makeups,
+which YAML can't express. Tests of the need itself fix the child as eligible, so
+an income above the program's limit can't empty the test.
+"""
+
+import pytest
+from hypothesis import example, given, settings
+from hypothesis import strategies as st
+
+from policyengine_us import Simulation
+
+YEAR = 2026
+MONTH = "2026-01"
+
+adults = st.fixed_dictionaries(
+    {
+        "wages": st.integers(min_value=0, max_value=60_000),
+        "business": st.integers(min_value=-30_000, max_value=60_000),
+        "student": st.booleans(),
+        "disabled": st.booleans(),
+    }
+)
+
+IDLE = {"wages": 0, "business": 0, "student": False, "disabled": False}
+WORKING = {"wages": 20_000, "business": 0, "student": False, "disabled": False}
+ELIGIBLE_CHILD = {"nc_scca_child_eligible": {MONTH: True}}
+
+
+def person_input(adult):
+    return {
+        "age": {YEAR: 30},
+        "employment_income": {YEAR: adult["wages"]},
+        "self_employment_income": {YEAR: adult["business"]},
+        "is_full_time_college_student": {YEAR: adult["student"]},
+        "is_disabled": {YEAR: adult["disabled"]},
+    }
+
+
+def simulate(adults, spm_unit=None, other_adult=None, child=ELIGIBLE_CHILD):
+    names = [f"adult{index}" for index in range(len(adults))]
+    people = {name: person_input(item) for name, item in zip(names, adults)}
+    people["child"] = {"age": {YEAR: 3}, **child}
+    family = names + ["child"]
+    tax_units = {"claiming": {"members": family}}
+    members = list(family)
+    if other_adult is not None:
+        people["other_adult"] = {"age": {YEAR: 60}, **other_adult}
+        tax_units["other"] = {"members": ["other_adult"]}
+        members.append("other_adult")
+    situation = {
+        "people": people,
+        "tax_units": tax_units,
+        "spm_units": {
+            "spm_unit": {
+                "members": members,
+                "spm_unit_pre_subsidy_childcare_expenses": {YEAR: 12_000},
+                **(spm_unit or {}),
+            }
+        },
+        "families": {"family": {"members": members}},
+        "marital_units": {name: {"members": [name]} for name in people},
+        "households": {
+            "household": {
+                "members": members,
+                "state_name": {YEAR: "NC"},
+                "county_str": {YEAR: "WAKE_COUNTY_NC"},
+            }
+        },
+    }
+    return Simulation(situation=situation)
+
+
+def has_need(simulation):
+    return bool(simulation.calculate("nc_scca_need_eligible", MONTH)[0])
+
+
+def adult_has_need(adult):
+    earns = adult["wages"] > 0 or adult["business"] > 0
+    return earns or adult["student"] or adult["disabled"]
+
+
+@settings(max_examples=25, deadline=None)
+@given(family=st.lists(adults, min_size=1, max_size=2))
+# One adult with no activity, alone and beside a working adult; a single adult who
+# can't work or provide care; and a business loss beside wages.
+@example(family=[IDLE])
+@example(family=[WORKING, IDLE])
+@example(family=[{**IDLE, "disabled": True}])
+@example(family=[{**WORKING, "business": -30_000}])
+def test_need_follows_the_rule(family):
+    simulation = simulate(family)
+    assert has_need(simulation) == all(adult_has_need(item) for item in family)
+
+
+@settings(max_examples=15, deadline=None)
+@given(family=st.lists(adults, min_size=1, max_size=2))
+def test_no_family_without_a_need_receives_a_subsidy(family):
+    # This test runs the child's own age and income tests.
+    simulation = simulate(family, child={})
+    entry_eligible = bool(simulation.calculate("nc_scca_entry_eligible", MONTH)[0])
+    subsidy = float(simulation.calculate("nc_scca", MONTH)[0])
+    if entry_eligible:
+        assert has_need(simulation)
+    if not entry_eligible:
+        assert subsidy == 0
+    if not has_need(simulation):
+        assert not entry_eligible
+    assert subsidy >= 0
+
+
+@settings(max_examples=15, deadline=None)
+@given(
+    family=st.lists(adults, min_size=1, max_size=2),
+    raise_by=st.integers(min_value=1, max_value=40_000),
+)
+def test_earnings_never_remove_the_need(family, raise_by):
+    before = has_need(simulate(family))
+    raised = [{**family[0], "wages": family[0]["wages"] + raise_by}] + family[1:]
+    assert has_need(simulate(raised)) >= before
+
+
+@settings(max_examples=15, deadline=None)
+@given(
+    family=st.lists(adults, min_size=1, max_size=2),
+    other_earnings=st.integers(min_value=0, max_value=60_000),
+)
+def test_a_separate_filer_does_not_change_the_answer(family, other_earnings):
+    alone = has_need(simulate(family))
+    beside = simulate(family, other_adult={"employment_income": {YEAR: other_earnings}})
+    assert has_need(beside) == alone
+
+
+def test_a_family_with_no_activity_has_no_need_without_another_path():
+    assert not has_need(simulate([IDLE]))
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize(
+    "path",
+    [
+        {"spm_unit": {"is_tanf_enrolled": {MONTH: True}}},
+        {"spm_unit": {"meets_ccdf_activity_test": {YEAR: True}}},
+        {"child": {**ELIGIBLE_CHILD, "is_disabled": {YEAR: True}}},
+        {
+            "child": {
+                **ELIGIBLE_CHILD,
+                "receives_or_needs_protective_services": {YEAR: True},
+            }
+        },
+    ],
+)
+def test_each_other_path_gives_a_family_with_no_activity_a_need(path):
+    assert has_need(simulate([IDLE], **path))
diff --git a/policyengine_us/variables/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_entry_eligible.py b/policyengine_us/variables/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_entry_eligible.py
index 10d84548f59..d7b34f38117 100644
--- a/policyengine_us/variables/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_entry_eligible.py
+++ b/policyengine_us/variables/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_entry_eligible.py
@@ -7,9 +7,13 @@ class nc_scca_entry_eligible(Variable):
     label = (
         "North Carolina entry eligibility for Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program"
     )
-    reference = "https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Chapter-7-Family-definition-and-determining-income-eligibility-08-05-24.pdf#page=2"
+    reference = (
+        "https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Chapter-7-Family-definition-and-determining-income-eligibility-08-05-24.pdf#page=2",
+        "https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/Chapter-5-CN-25-3-Establishing-Need-and-Plan-of-Care.pdf#page=2",
+    )
     definition_period = MONTH
     defined_for = StateCode.NC
 
     def formula(spm_unit, period, parameters):
-        return add(spm_unit, period, ["nc_scca_child_eligible"]) > 0
+        has_eligible_child = add(spm_unit, period, ["nc_scca_child_eligible"]) > 0
+        return has_eligible_child & spm_unit("nc_scca_need_eligible", period)
diff --git a/policyengine_us/variables/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_need_eligible.py b/policyengine_us/variables/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_need_eligible.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..9e2954e073a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/policyengine_us/variables/gov/states/nc/ncdhhs/scca/entry/nc_scca_need_eligible.py
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+from policyengine_us.model_api import *
+
+
+class nc_scca_need_eligible(Variable):
+    value_type = bool
+    entity = SPMUnit
+    label = "Meets the North Carolina Subsidized Child Care Assistance need for care"
+    definition_period = MONTH
+    defined_for = StateCode.NC
+    reference = (
+        # 10A NCAC 10 .0905: employment, training, and recipients unable to work
+        # or train and incapable of providing care.
+        "http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2010a%20-%20health%20and%20human%20services/chapter%2010%20-%20subsidized%20child%20care/10a%20ncac%2010%20.0905.pdf",
+        # Policy Manual Chapter 5, section II: the five need categories.
+        "https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/Chapter-5-CN-25-3-Establishing-Need-and-Plan-of-Care.pdf#page=2",
+        # Section III.A: both parents or responsible adults must have a need.
+        "https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/Chapter-5-CN-25-3-Establishing-Need-and-Plan-of-Care.pdf#page=4",
+        # Section III.B.5: Work First.
+        "https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/Chapter-5-CN-25-3-Establishing-Need-and-Plan-of-Care.pdf#page=8",
+        # Section III.C: education.
+        "https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/Chapter-5-CN-25-3-Establishing-Need-and-Plan-of-Care.pdf#page=9",
+        # Section III.D: developmental needs of the child.
+        "https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/Chapter-5-CN-25-3-Establishing-Need-and-Plan-of-Care.pdf#page=12",
+        # Section III.E: Child Protective Services.
+        "https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/Chapter-5-CN-25-3-Establishing-Need-and-Plan-of-Care.pdf#page=14",
+    )
+
+    def formula(spm_unit, period, parameters):
+        p = parameters(period).gov.states.nc.ncdhhs.scca.need
+        person = spm_unit.members
+        year = period.this_year
+        # Section III.B sets no minimum hours for employment, and a self-employed
+        # person short of minimum wage gets fewer authorized hours under III.B.4,
+        # still with a need for care. Any positive earnings count.
+        employed = np.any(
+            [person(source, year) > 0 for source in p.earned_income_sources],
+            axis=0,
+        )
+        # .0905(f) covers high school, basic education and post-secondary or skills
+        # training. The model can't see the 20-month limit or graduate study.
+        student = person("is_full_time_student", year)
+        # .0905(b) pays for recipients unable to work or train and incapable of
+        # providing care, including a recipient with no other adult at home.
+        # Disability stands in for the agency's determination.
+        unable_to_provide_care = person("is_disabled", year) | person(
+            "is_incapable_of_self_care", year
+        )
+        has_need = employed | student | unable_to_provide_care
+        # Sections III and III.A require a need of both parents or responsible
+        # adults in the household. Under section III, another adult in the home
+        # blocks care only when willing and able to provide it, which the model
+        # can't see, so the filers who claim an eligible child stand in for the
+        # responsible adults. An incarcerated adult isn't in the household.
+        eligible_child = person("nc_scca_child_eligible", period)
+        claims_eligible_child = person.tax_unit.sum(eligible_child) > 0
+        responsible_adult = (
+            person("is_tax_unit_head_or_spouse", year)
+            & claims_eligible_child
+            & ~person("is_incarcerated", period)
+        )
+        adults_have_need = spm_unit.sum(responsible_adult & ~has_need) == 0
+        # Section III.B.5 serves Work First participants through their approved
+        # employment and training plan. Enrollment stands in for that plan.
+        work_first = spm_unit("is_tanf_enrolled", period)
+        # Section III.D serves a child whose development is delayed or at risk of
+        # delay, and section III.E a child receiving Child Protective Services.
+        # Disability stands in for the documented delay.
+        child_need = person("is_disabled", year) | person(
+            "receives_or_needs_protective_services", year
+        )
+        has_child_need = spm_unit.any(eligible_child & child_need)
+        # This input covers job search under .0905(d), absences under .0905(c) and
+        # (e), part-time study, an elderly recipient under .0905(b)(6), for which
+        # the rule sets no age, and Child Welfare Services under section III.F.
+        other_need = spm_unit("meets_ccdf_activity_test", year)
+        return adults_have_need | work_first | has_child_need | other_need